Most people just accept the fact that it is the holiday season, and go on and indulge with the resolution in mind to lose what they have so joyfully gained at the first of the year. Easier said than done. Unfortunately we end up not following through with our resolutions and instead pack and carry extra pounds around for an entire year.
People sometimes think that something must be complicated and challenging in order for them to see results. Incorporating these 6 simple (notice the word “simple”) tips below will give you an advantage and keep you ahead of the weight game. Learn them and use these strategies daily and you might just surprise yourself that not only do you maintain over the holidays but may end up losing a few pounds and inches as a side benefit.
- Drink lots of water (6-8 bottles a day) – you’ve heard this millions of time before. Not only does it hydrate, it helps push toxins and build up out of the body, especially since this is the season of eating not just more, but much richer and sweeter items. If you find it challenging to drink that many water, space it out during the day, 2 bottles in the AM, a bottle before and after lunch, spread the rest in the evening hours and drink a bottle of water before bed.
- Save your calories by making wise food choices and proportioning your meals. Drop the breads and susbtitute with salads, fruits, steamed veggies. Remember the calories you save can be used for indulging (e.g., the seasonal cookies, etc.)
- Time your carb consumtion – only eat carbs during the day for lunch, etc., when you can burn it off before bedtime. If you must have it, eat half the portion or eliminate all together to save calories. Remember the calories you save can be used to indulge in seasonal goodies.
- Add fruits and vegetables – add fruits at the beginning of the day and the end of the day to help your system break down and move food out of your system quickly. Fruits and vegetables can be a good subsitute for appetizers, that basket of bread and butter at the restaurant, etc. I sometimes have a bowl of salad for breakfast for a good boost to the day.
- Restrain from consuming calories after 9 pm – Don’t do it. Don’t eat heavy after 9pm, but if you find yourself at a party and hungry, make wise choices. select light items, fruits, veggies, any lean meats in tiny proportions. Make it a rule to give your stomach a 12 hour advantage to rest and do what it needs to do before you go to bed and during sleep.
- Exercise – if you do not already have an exercise routine, I suggest you get one started. There is no such exuse as not having enough time. You can find 10 minutes in the day to stretch at your desk. Search the internet and YouTube to find 10-minute exercises that you can do and implement it 3 times a day. If you already have a daily routing and work out about 30 minutes to an hour a day, increase that by 10 or 15 minutes for those additional calories you take in during the holiday season.
The first time I applied the above strategies was about three years ago and in one month, I lost 19 pounds. The only exercise I did was walk briskly for 20 minutes a day, Monday through Friday at work. I drank plenty of water and substituted a lot of bad eating with fruits, veggies, juices and smoothies. You can do the same 2 #loseweight
Seasons Greetings!
As always,
